Cardiovascular nursing in RN and higher education in Swedish universities: a national survey

Cardiovascular nursing (CVN) is rapidly developing and has accumulated a large amount of evidence to support interventions aimed at reducing suffering and hastening recovery. However, knowledge of the extent and content of CVN training in Sweden is lacking. The aim of this study was therefore to identify and describe CVN in the Swedish RN education as well as in higher education, with reference to type of course and credits, content, area and target group. A nationwide survey was carried out in Sweden at all university level nursing schools (N=26) by means of a 25-item questionnaire, which was analysed by descriptive statistics. The findings show that 69% and 23% of the schools awarded 0-1 credits [0-1.5 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)] and 2-3 credits (3-4.5 ECTS), respectively for cardiology/CVN in the RN education. Target areas outside the hospital setting reported by 23% and 19% of nursing schools were primary health care and community care, respectively. Special target groups in addition to the general public were the elderly (42%) and women (58%). Advanced courses in CVN comprising 10-40 credits (15-60 ECTS) were held by 27% of nursing schools, but no school had a specialist or Master level education. Important educational implications from the study of the RN education are the establishment of a minimum credit figure and to reach out into primary health care.